By Jonathan Shih
Artist Rama Suresh’s artistic journey is like a unique cultural fairy tale, where Indian heritage, local life, and deep emotional connections are intricately woven together. He believes art is not merely an aesthetic expression but a living narrative—one that delves into the everyday lives of people, history, and the depths of society.
From childhood, his profound interest and love for painting guided him to pursue his education at the Government College of Art and Crafts, Chennai. There, he learned from distinguished teachers and artists including Dr. Alphonso A. Doss, R.B. Bhaskaran, C. Dakshinamurthy, among others. Influenced by their guidance and his own hard work, he developed his unique artistic language and style.
One of the hallmarks of his work is the ‘Impasto’ technique, where the density and texture of the paint create a surface that seems alive. Rama Suresh does not just use colors; he paints emotions with them. His colors are vibrant, sometimes even intense—reflecting the multifaceted nature of Indian culture and its lively celebrations.
His paintings vividly portray the lifestyles, cultures, and traditions of various Indian regions. Especially notable is his deep affection for Rajasthan, where local architecture, colors, forms, and human behaviors merge to tell a complete story. In his art, body language plays a more crucial role than facial expressions in conveying emotions, highlighting the feelings of his subjects more profoundly. This perspective sets Rama’s work apart, as he believes facial expressions do not always reveal true emotions.
His artistic journey goes beyond mere visual representation. It is a spiritual experience where history, people, place, and culture unite to create a sensitive narration. Each painting is like a living diary, blending indigenous heritage with personal memories and feelings.
In this age of globalization, where Western influences are growing, Rama Suresh is committed to preserving the priceless wealth of Indian culture and tradition through his art. His work reminds us that our cultural differences are at the core of our identity. Every color, every gesture, and every texture expresses this identity.
Interestingly, none of his paintings are framed. This symbolizes his resolve to keep both his art and life free from boundaries. Just as his artworks are liberated, every moment of his life seems boundless.
Rama Suresh’s journey is not just about painting; it is a cultural and spiritual expedition—a subtle bridge connecting past and present, personal and universal, real and imagined. Through his work, we feel a profound connection with the endless forms, diversity, and traditions of Indian life.
Moreover, through his art, he wishes to convey a message to viewers—a message that it is our collective responsibility to protect our heritage and culture. His work invites us to reflect deeply and embark on a journey into the heart of our identity.
M. Rama Suresh, born on 27th May 1976 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a distinguished contemporary artist with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Fine Arts (Painting) from the Government College of Arts & Crafts, Chennai. He also completed a refresher course on the care of art objects in 2000. Over the past two decades, Suresh has built a prolific career, participating in numerous solo and group exhibitions both in India and internationally. His works have been showcased at prestigious venues such as Lalit Kala Akademi (New Delhi and Chennai), Jehangir Art Gallery (Mumbai), Cymroza Art Gallery (Mumbai), DakshinaChitra (Chennai), Art Houz (Chennai), the Taj West End (Bangalore), and international platforms including art fairs in Singapore, the USA, and Dubai. Notable exhibitions include “The Madras Movement of Art” at Artworld Sarala’s Art International (2023), “The Ganesha Attitude” at Gnani Arts in Singapore (2022), “Kala for Vidya” at Rotary Club of Bangalore (2022), and the First International Kala Mela, New Delhi (2018). His artistic themes often reflect cultural narratives, spiritual motifs, and vivid expressions of contemporary life. With an enduring commitment to the arts, Suresh has become a significant voice in the Indian art scene, continuously contributing to its dynamic evolution through his participation in over 100 exhibitions since 2000.
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